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Discussion Boards => N => Topic started by: MrStumpy on September 05, 2019, 09:43:55 PM

Title: Electrical isolation with Crossover Turnout
Post by: MrStumpy on September 05, 2019, 09:43:55 PM
I would like to run two separately controlled loops of E-Z Track, connecting them with the use of an E-Z Track Crossover Turnout.  However, it appears that there is no rail gap or place for an insulated rail joiner between the switches of each "mainline."  Is there a built in "gap" to isolate one track from the other that I cannot see?  There is nothing in the description about this.

Other than cutting a gap in the rails between one track and the other with a Dremel cutting disc, is there another way to do this?
Would I be better off to buy two Right Hand or Left Hand switches for my layout and insert insulated rail joiners or cut a gap using them?

MrStumpy
Title: Re: Electrical isolation with Crossover Turnout
Post by: Hunt on September 07, 2019, 07:34:36 PM
The #6 Single Crossover Turnout is used as is in a DCC powered layout.  Rail gaps plus additional modifications required to use #6 Single Crossover Turnout in DC powered layout.
Title: Re: Electrical isolation with Crossover Turnout
Post by: MrStumpy on September 07, 2019, 09:10:18 PM
Thanks for the info.  It looks like I'm headed for a couple of regular #6 switches and putting gaps or insulated rail jointers between them in order to be able to cross from one track to another with both tracks separately powered for two train operation. That would probably be easier than cutting gaps in a Crossover Turnout and figuring out whatever other modifications are necessary to run straight DC power.

I started model railroading in the late 1950's and have worked in every scale and gauge from Z up to "ride on" 7 1/2" gauge and spent twenty years part time in a mostly train related hobby shop.  I've seen DCC put to good use on larger layouts with multiple operators.  But I'm building a small (3X5') layout for my 7 year old grand nephew, which is not nearly big enough to make the extra cost and complication of DCC worthwhile. 

MrStumpy